Karoline Leavitt Says She's 'Exactly Where I Need to Be' as She Spends Time With Her Kids After Stepping Down as White House Press Secretary

Karoline Leavitt shared on social media that she is "exactly where I need to be" after finishing her final day as White House press secretary on August 27.

Leavitt, who officially left her role after nearly 20 months in the position, posted a short video on Instagram of her young children, adding "Thank you, God."

At 29 years old (28 for the majority of her role), she was the youngest person ever to hold the position.

She shares two young children — her son Niko and her newborn daughter Viviana "Vivi" (born in May) — with her husband, real estate developer Nicholas Riccio, 61.

The couple first met in 2022 while Leavitt was running her campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Hampshire's 1st District.

As detailed in an interview on "The Megyn Kelly Show," a mutual friend hosted a political campaign event at a restaurant in New Hampshire and invited Riccio to attend.

Leavitt was the keynote speaker at the event.

The two were introduced, struck up a close friendship, and eventually fell in love. Despite a 32-year age gap — Leavitt is 29, and Riccio is 61 — Leavitt frequently credits his business success and flexible schedule as the stabilizing force that allowed her to pursue her intense White House career.

After welcoming her second child, Viviana, in May, Leavitt shared that the demanding nature of the White House role made it impossible to provide the "constant time, energy, and attention" her children deserve.

While stepping away from her daily press duties, Leavitt continues to support President Donald Trump as a top outside advisor and voice within the Republican Party ahead of the midterm elections.

As of September 1, Trump has not yet named a permanent replacement for Leavitt.

Rather than appointing an immediate acting press secretary, the administration plans to continue utilizing a rotating cast of senior administration officials to handle press briefings and media appearances.

In the interim, Leavitt's remaining press team will report directly to White House Communications Director Steven Cheung.

Several high-profile figures have emerged as potential candidates or front-runners for the job.

Scott Jennings, conservative political commentator and CNN contributor, is considered a top front-runner by media observers, though administration sources report a final decision is not locked in.

As Trump’s principal deputy press secretary, Anna Kelly frequently filled in for media appearances during Leavitt’s maternity leave and is viewed as a strong internal candidate.

While currently serving as the White House Communications Director, Cheung’s deep ties to Trump's campaign operation make him a prominent possibility to take over the podium.

Katie Miller, wife of deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and former press secretary to Vice President Mike Pence, has also been floated as a potential contender.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is actively reviewing candidates, but the final choice rests entirely with Trump.